Contents

Plot

Thomas the Tank Engine is enjoying his new life running the branch line, of which he is very proud and considers the most important part of the railway. Thomas's new coaches, Annie and Clarabel, agree with him and Thomas loves them both very much despite them both being old and needing new paint. When taking trains, Annie can only take passengers however Clarabel takes passengers, luggage and the guard. Thomas and his coaches often sing to each other while taking trains, and journies often proceed smoothly. Annie and Clarabel know how important pleasing the Fat Controller is to Thomas, and whenever he is cross he is not cross with them.

One day, Thomas angrily waits at the junction for Henry who is running late (and not for the first time) so he can pick up passengers. Eventually Henry feebly arrives, complaining that his system isn't working properly. As far as Thomas is concerned, Henry's only problem is his own laziness. Thomas, keen to be on time, leaves as soon as his guard blows the whistle but goes so fast he doesn't give the guard time to get aboard, leaving him behind. The guard waves his red flag but its no use... the tank engine is well on his way and out of the station.

Thomas sings to his coaches as usual, but Clarabel doesn't sing as she is very upset her guard was left behind. Annie tries to tell Thomas that they haven't got a guard aboard, but Thomas is in a hurry and doesn't listen. The two coaches try to brake, but can't without a guard. Eventually Thomas stops when he reaches a signal set to "Danger." He and his crew wait to find out what is the matter from the guard... but he doesn't come and Annie and Clarabel finally cry that he's been left behind.

Soon the passengers notice a figure running up behind them... the guard, who has been trying to catch up to Thomas. He is very hot following the chase, and has a drink to cool down and tells everyone what happened. Thomas is very sorry that he left the guard behind, but the guard assures Thomas it wasn't his fault. The signal drops, and Thomas and crew decide to make up for lost time.

With the guard back aboard, both Thomas and his coaches feel reinvigorated and manage to reach the end of the line in record time.

The shots of Thomas passing under the bridge before entering the tunnel and arriving at Ffarquhar station were used for the Classic Series' opening credits.

George Carlin's narration of this episode has been broadcasted on television, but has never been released on VHS, and has not yet been commissioned for a DVD, but for a limited time in 2009, it was released on iTunes.

Goofs

In the opening shot, studio equipment is visible in the top-left corner.

In many scenes, Clarabel is facing the wrong way.

When Henry puffs into the junction, his brake coach is facing backwards.

When Thomas says "You're too fat! You need exercise!" he lets off steam. The scene then cuts to Henry briefly; but in the next scene the steam has gone and Thomas lets off more.

In the close-up of Thomas leaving the junction, Annie and Clarabel aren't coupled behind him.